There is overriding P & I club evidence that the number of navigational incidents is increasing. Prevention of these incidents can be achieved by proper monitoring of the bridge team performance, training and an understanding and recognition that the human element plays a major part in the causation of navigational incidents.The ‘Scope of Work’ for carrying out a Navigational Audit is as follows:

• A detailed navigational audit will be carried out as per the latest navigation standards and best practices.
  
• Assessment of the bridge team will be carried out in two parts. The first part is carried out when the vessel departs from the port at which the audit consultant joins, while the second part is carried out when the vessel arrives at the subsequent port(s).
  
• The audit consultant is a “silent observer” and takes an overview of all aspects of the operation by the bridge team from “Departure berth” to “Full away on passage” and “Port Arrival”. This covers the practical side of navigation, interaction with the Pilot, VTS / Port Authorities and interaction between the on board staff.
  

The main areas and skills that will be assessed are as follows:

• Knowledge and understanding of company policies and procedures
  
• Passage planning – preparation, planning and execution
  
• Use of Electronic Chart Systems and ECDIS
  
• Coastal and Deep Sea Navigation where applicable
  
• Navigation in restricted waters and port approaches
  
• Bridge Team Management – Situational awareness, teamwork etc.
  
• Status of Bridge Equipment
  
• Mooring, Unmooring and Anchoring (if carried out)
  

The consultant’s observations and recommendations are thereafter discussed with the entire bridge team, and with individual officers as necessary. Training needs are identified, discussed with the master and, wherever possible, immediate correction and refresher training is given to relevant officersFundamentals and key areas such as traditional navigation skills, maintaining a proper look out, determining if risk of collision exists, plotting the vessels position, compliance with the collision regulations, passage planning and bridge team management are now frequently found to be deficient on the modern bridge and among today's navigators.EASK Marine Consultancyare masters at incorporating training during the entire Navigational Audit ensuring a safer and more effectively functioning Bridge Team.What is a navigationaudit?Many companies include navigation audits as part of the routine ISM / SMS audits conducted by a superintendent when ships are alongside. There is no real value to this as assessment of the performance of the bridge team, it is only an audit against the system and it's paperwork.A navigation assessment is not about checklists, deficiencies and non-conformities it is so much more than that, it covers all aspects of the navigation of the vessel, including the performance of the bridge team at their place of work.Our Master Mariners use their extensive experience to verify that navigational practices are consistently applied  in accordance with industry best practice and bridge procedures. On a coastal passage, preferably of four to five days duration and encompassing pilotage transits, the fundamentals and key areas mentioned above are a focus along with all the other areas that fall under the umbrella of safe navigation.Our assessor will identify any knowledge gaps, weaknesses and strengths and seek to improve the on board navigational practices, performance, awareness and culture by taking into account human factors and offering encouragement and education. To enhance this we offer on board training where gaps are detected or perhaps where gaps have been highlighted by our clients themselves.There is always room for improvement and whether our client feels that a navigation assessment would be beneficial after an incident, a more fleet wide solution to satisfy the best practice suggestions of TMSA or simply to promote the level of performance and improve the company profile, here at Eask Marine Consultancy we have a bespoke solution.For more information and to discuss how we can assist you with your particular requirements, Please contact us;